Don't be discouraged . . .

It's happened to us all at some point in time . . . a little thing called discouragement.  It sits between you and what you desire.  Sometimes it's disguised as hard work. Sometimes it's disguised as doubt that what you desire is achievable. Sometimes it's disguised as criticism from others. Sometimes it's disguised as fear of failure.

Edison failed 10, 000 times before he made the electric light.
Do not be discouraged if you fail a few times.
- Napoleon Hill

Whatever shroud discouragement wears, it's just that . . . a shroud.  Its intent is to distract your focus.  If you accept the charade, discouragement will plant more seeds of negativity.  You begin to make excuses about not having enough time, energy or money.  You begin to worry about what people will think of you.  You begin to think about times that you've wanted to achieve similar things in the past and weren't successful in doing so.

"When everything seems to be going against you,
remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it ...."
- Henry Ford

When discouragement obstructs your path, take a moment to peer past it at your goal and ask yourself a question?  Is this something I want for myself or is this a goal that I've created to please someone else?  If the goal isn't something that you genuinely want for yourself, release it.  Finding the resolve to achieve something you don't truly desire is exhausting and will not bring you satisfaction.  If the goal is authentically yours, then refocus on the discouragement and remove its veil. Look closely at what is holding you back from achieving what you want.  Address the fears, the doubts and the critics; including the biggest one . . . YOURSELF.  Then allow yourself to believe that the sense of accomplishment and happiness you will feel from achieving your goal is greater than anything discouragement can throw your way.

If we doubted our Fears instead of doubting our dreams,
Imagine how much in life we'd accomplish.
- Joel Brown

Don't be discouraged by setbacks or perceived failures.  Life has a tendency to strip away the unnecessary to make space for the unbelievable.